by Coastal Carolina University

For many transfer students, the path to a four-year degree can feel uncertain, filled with questions about credits, cost, and whether they truly belong at a university.

Coastal Carolina University and Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) are working to change that with a new partnership agreement designed to create seamless transfer pathways and expand access to higher education opportunities for students across South Carolina.  

Through the agreement, CCTC is a participant in CCU’s Coastal Bound Program, an initiative designed to reduce barriers for transfer students and create clear pathways to bachelor’s degrees.  

Prior to the signing, Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) was the only technical college participating in the program, making this the first Coastal Bound partnership outside Horry and Georgetown counties. Leaders from both institutions said the new partnership expands on the success of the current model while bringing innovative educational opportunities to students in Sumter, Lee, Clarendon, and Kershaw counties. 

Jennifer Wilbanks, Ph.D., president of Central Carolina Technical College, played an instrumental role in starting the Coastal Bound program at CCU. During her time as vice president of academic affairs at HGTC, she oversaw Coastal Bound’s expansion there, and is now the first technical college president to establish the agreement at her institution.

“One of the biggest advantages of the Coastal Bound program is that it will save students time and money,” she said. “CCU is at the forefront of higher education leaders in waiving the core curriculum for transfer students, helping set them up for success.” 

In speaking of the partnership with CCTC, Casey Woodling, Ph.D., director of pre-college and college pathway programs at CCU, said, “This is a foundational step forward in helping reduce barriers and improve student success for transfer students.” 

The Coastal Bound program is designed to address one of the biggest challenges transfer students face: access to information. Many students have identified challenges in understanding and accessing existing information about costs, transfer credits, academic planning, and the transfer process. 

“The first step is asking where the barriers and obstacles are and how we can overcome them,” explained James J. Winebrake, Ph.D., president of Coastal Carolina University.  

Students participating in Coastal Bound are now placed into a targeted communication group that provides personalized support and information about transfer pathways, deadlines, scholarships, reverse transfer opportunities, and academic planning. The new communication approach more directly addresses student concerns while creating additional opportunities to explain, reinforce, and engage with students before they become Chanticleers. The program also includes joint advising from both institutions and early engagement opportunities to help students feel connected to the University community.  

Through twilight tours, athletic events, and campus experiences, students are introduced to the culture and community of Teal Nation before they officially transfer. Participants are also encouraged to engage with campus resources and student life opportunities that help them envision themselves as future members of the campus community.  

“This is more than a transfer experience,” said Wilbanks. “It is an opportunity to experience being a Chanticleer.”   

Leaders from both institutions emphasized that the partnership is ultimately about helping students recognize their potential and see higher education as attainable. 

“So many students wrongly believe that they don’t belong in higher education,” Woodling said during the signing ceremony. “This partnership is about showing students that they do belong and giving them the opportunity to see themselves at CCU.”  

Winebrake noted that the partnership reflects CCU’s continued commitment to student success and having a lasting impact on the community.   

“At CCU, we are committed to reducing barriers and increasing access to a four-year degree,” he said. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for students to pursue a bachelor’s degree, which will help meet evolving workforce demands and create a ripple effect in communities.” 

Both institutions indicated that additional collaborations could follow, including future articulation agreements in areas such as nursing and cybersecurity.